Get the Scoop on places to unplug and disconnect – so you can reconnect with all the important things – fresh air, family, friends and food. As always please make sure to double-check that the parks are open or the specific amenities you need are operational before you head out.
Lake Norman Area
Robbin’s Park
Cornelius, NC
Located in Cornelius with plenty of shade, this park boasts a playground, public art and plenty of parking.
Ramsey Creek
Cornelius, NC
One of the rare spots that offers both beach and boat access for the public and plenty of shaded picnic tables for lunch or dinner as the sun sets over the lake. Bring your pup too for the dog park.
Lake Norman State Park
Troutman, NC
Worth the drive for shady trails and secret spots by the water’s edge that are perfect for a picnic.
Latta Nature Preserve
Huntersville, NC
Enjoy lunch with lake views (Mountain Island Lake), and explore some of the prettiest trails in NC. Plenty of free parking.
Davidson College
Davidson, NC
Davidson is known for picturesque scenery – and Davidson College is no exception. Picnic among the towering trees and often outdoor art exhibitions.
Charlotte Area
Romare Bearden Park
Uptown (Church St.)
Do something different and have a picnic dinner with a city view, an urban oasis offers plenty of room for a socially distanced snacking. If you’re driving there are a lot of public parking garages nearby etc.
First Ward Park
Uptown (Seventh St.)
4-acres makes the park manageable and easy to access given it’s location between East 7th, 9th and Brevard Streets (just east of the light rail tracks).
Midwood Park
Grass galore don’t forget about this little spot – shelter, restrooms, and a playground make it a fun place to take a lunch break.
Freedom Park
Dilworth
A fan-favorite, lounge by the lake and take a stroll after your picnic to enjoy the views. Park near Princeton or there and two access points on East Blvd.
Queens University of Charlotte
Myers Park
Access from Selwyn avenue and enjoy your sammies on the beautiful campus.
McAlpine Creek Park
South Park Plenty of places to picnic around the 3-acre pond, or perch in the gazebo.
Crowders Mountain
Pack your lunch for a well-worth-it drive to the state park… plenty of places to picnic on the way up the mountain or save some snacks for the summit.
South Carolina
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Fort Mill, SC
Lots of places to park and picnic including views of the dairy barn, ponds, lakes and native flowers. Currently open to members.
Cherry Park
Rock Hill, SC
Beautiful 68-acre park with scenic trails, a large playground and numerous park amenities in case you forget your picnic blanket.
Kings Mountain State Park
Blacksburg, SC
With the Ridgeline Trail that connects 3 parks and NS + SC, this park has it all from fishing and horse riding, to perfect places to picnic.
Cheraw State Park
Cheraw, SC
Picnic in what feels like another time and place, paddle in Lake Juniper, keep an eye out for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and picnic with views of the serene cypress swamp.
